More jail time rejected: Inmates' request to wait out tough economy in Rockingham County jail is denied

Wednesday

Oct 14, 2009 at 3:15 AMOct 14, 2009 at 8:13 AM

By GEOFF CUNNINGHAM Jr.

PORTSMOUTH — Al Wright has seen inmates act up to avoid being released during the harsh New Hampshire winters, but it was only recently the 28-year corrections veteran got two letters from individuals politely requesting an extended stay behind bars.

Wright, the superintendent of Rockingham County House of Corrections, says spending time in his jail isn't fun, but he isn't surprised that a tough economy has some inmates reluctant to be released during a time when jobs are few and temperatures are dropping.

The jail superintendent said he recently received letters from two inmates requesting they be kept in jail despite them having served out their court-ordered sentences.

Wright said the letters essentially asked: "Can I stay the winter?"

"My take on it is the economy is dumping so far that jail isn't looking as bad," Wright said.

Wright said the inmates requesting an extended stay at the Brentwood facility have been denied.

"It's not a homeless shelter. I can only hold people on legal orders from the court," he said.

Wright has worked in corrections for 28 years and said it isn't uncommon for some inmates to try and avoid release directly before or during winters that present challenges for those who often have little or no money, few family connections and a criminal record that makes it more difficult for them to gain employment.

"They have it against them to start with because they have a misdemeanor or felony (on their records)," Wright said.

The superintendent said inmates will sometimes violate jail rules in an attempt to avoid being released, but he said the two who recently wrote him letters appear to be part of a new population who are taking a more direct method of trying to stay behind bars.

Wright said media accounts of the two inmates who wrote letters have led some to question if his prison is too easy on those serving time on criminal convictions.

He said his jail is anything but "soft," but noted state law requires all corrections departments to provide for basic human needs.

Wright said the 350 inmates at Rockingham County jail get a roof over their head, three meals a day and a clean place to stay while they are prepared for reintroduction into society.

He said the above amenities in jail are basic, but are probably viewed as a better alternative to living on the streets — especially during winter.

"It's not a desirable place where the average person would want to live, but (the jails) are clean, safe, well-lit and very modern compared to when I started," Wright said.

The superintendent said Rockingham County works with inmates to help them become self-sufficient once they are released with programs designed to help find them shelter, work and assure they are getting substance abuse treatment.

However, he said some inmates prefer the relative safety of being in jail until warmer weather returns as being free presents no guarantees.

Wright said he anticipates seeing more of the same thing if the economy continues to slump.

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